an Eclectic Reader comments on good reads – books and articles

Welcome

Someone once told me there was nothing out there to read – like saying nothing to wear with a closet full of clothes. No charge here for ideas on what to read – hope you will try some on for size.

Most of my books are from my local library, but I cannot leave a bookstore without buying a book. My day is not complete without my online New York Times (and sometimes the Washington Post), and my New Yorker magazines usually pile up until I have a long flight. When my shelf gets too heavy, I recycle them to friends or to the library, but I’m always looking for a good book, so please offer suggestions for reading.

Just lurk, if you prefer, but every now and then, please send in a comment so I know you are out there.

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43 thoughts on “Welcome”

I’ve just come across your webpage and added it to my blogroll so I can be a regular visitor; yours are great reviews, with just the right amount of detail to pique my interest! All the books I read come from the local library (or, here in Saskatchewan, we have an interlibrary-loan system that is second to none), for which I am extremely grateful because I have neither the space to keep more books, nor the cash to buy all those I read.

I haven’t had a chance to deep-peruse your site yet, but will mention a novel that was the best-written book I’d ever read: Sarah Waters’s The Little Stranger. It kept me rapt from beginning to end, and then some. It was one of those books that you think about for days after you’ve finished reading it. Could I analyse the reasons I thought it was perfect? Not very well. Something to do with its pacing, perhaps, but also the characters were so beautifully drawn. I don’t know. I’m no reviewer. I just enjoy, or I don’t!

We’re in Coronado this weekend and about to head to Bay Books, one of our favorite indies, so your timing is perfect. Will see if they have Tinti’s books. Haven’t read them, but have taken a couple of her online writing courses. Thanks for the post.

Sadly, no Hannah Tinti so I had to settle for Joyce Carol Oates (Carthage), Jennifer Ryan (The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir which the saleswoman talked me into), and Mackinlay Kantor (Andersonville, which I have wanted to read for years). Now I have roughly 3,000 new pages to read.👍

Hi Rosemary! I’m in a big slump! Looking for something entertaining, but not stupid, if you know what I mean. Nothing super heavy. If you have something along those lines that you really like, would you please post it as a comment on http://2manybooks2littletime.com? Thanks!!!

At this time I am not accepting books for review unless I have specifically requested them for myself. I have a huge TBR list and professional reading list, and can not take on any new items at this time. Thanks for understanding.

I’ve just come across your blog and I can totally relate to not being able to leave a bookstore without buying something. I always go in telling myself I’m just browsing but then they’ll have a buy one, get one half price offer on and my will power vanishes! I have a few of my favourite books to recommend on my blog if you’re looking for suggestions!

Hi Rosemary! I’m Emma Dubin, and I work for Sky Pony Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing (New York City). I’m loving your reviews on children’s and young adult literature — they’re making me thinking of a new mid-grade fantasy novel we’ve recently published: THE SECRET ROOM, by Antonia Michaelis. Please shoot me an email if you’re interested in reading it, and I’ll be more than happy to send you a copy!

Thank you for you blog about Edith Wharton during the 150th anniversary of her birth! I am curious if you would be interested in reading the YA biography of Edith by Connie Nordhielm Wooldridge, The Brave Escape of Edith Wharton (Clarion 2010). Upon its release, the New York Times Book Review gave it high praise. If you are interested, please let me know, and I can send you a copy.

Thank you for your excellent blog – it is a pleasure to follow! In recognition of that, I thought to nominate you for a Versatlie Blogger. The award comes with a tedious set of rules that I think you can feel free not to comply with! I just thought to make a gesture of appreciation for your blog…http://anonsparis.wordpress.com/2012/02/18/versatile-blogger-award/

HI!
Love the idea of a book blog (say that quickly as many times as you can).

Just read “Hotel on the corner of Bitter and Sweet” by James Ford. A new take on the Japanese internment camps. Begins with a Chinese boy and a Japanese girl and their story. The undercurrent for elder Chinese Americans who rejected Japanese Americans as the Japanese invaded their country.
Sweet love story as well.